A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Purposeful and Stimulating Volunteer Opportunity
John D. Piette, Benjamin M. Hampstead, Nicolle Marinec, Jenny Chen, J. Scott Roberts- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Gerontology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
Purposeful social interactions are important for healthy aging. We conducted a pilot trial of SPEAK! (Seniors Promoting English Acquisition and Knowledge), an intervention providing older volunteers with a safe, accessible opportunity to converse via webcam with English-language learners.
Methods:
A neurologically mixed sample of older adults was randomized to 8 weekly, webcam conversations with English-language learners or a waitlist control. Outcomes included the Cognitive Change Index (CCI) and surveys of program satisfaction. Here, we report on session completion, intervention satisfaction, and follow-up CCI scores. Exploratory analyses of CCI intervention effects controlled for baseline CCI scores and the interaction between group and baseline CCI.
Results:
Participants (N=38) were on average 70.8 years of age, 28/38 were White, and 16/38 demonstrated possible cognitive impairment on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Pairs completed 115/136 sessions (85%) and all volunteers said they would recommend the program. Controlling for the interaction between baseline CCI and randomization group, SPEAK! volunteers had better follow-up CCI scores than controls (
Conclusions:
SPEAK! was feasible and appreciated by older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Larger studies should confirm benefits for memory and other determinants of quality of life.